Sunday, March 20, 2005
MAR 20 - Event Review: NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WEST
by Don Rose
(March 20: Anaheim, CA) Natural Products Expo West is billed as the world's largest natural and organic products trade show, and I can see why. Roaming the show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center (which takes all day, or better, two), I saw hundreds of booths -- there were finished products, the ingredients that make the products, as well as the supplies and services that help retailers sell them. Natural and organic product lines galore. NPEW has been bringing together top buyers and sellers for 25 years. Exhibitors at this Expo, I was told, reach the largest number of active, qualified natural and organic products buyers of any tradeshow on the west coast. Certainly it was the largest number of buyers of natural and organic products I had ever seen under one roof.
Natural Products Expo West - outside Anaheim Convention Center
With over 250,000 square feet of exhibiting space, representing every category in the industry, this is a must-see event if you sell, buy or write about natural and organic products. From established categories to emerging markets, Natural Products Expo West showcased the products and services driving the growth of the natural and organic industry.
Natural Products Expo West - the lively, crowded lobby
Thousands of buyers, sellers, media folks and VIPs attended the show from all over the world. Some highlights from the show floor: Two Laker girls signed pictures of their squad... Ed Begley Jr. touted his product line, Begley's Best -- environmentally friendly cleaning products available exclusively at www.EdBegley.com ... WILEY BOOKS had a booth featuring many excellent health-related tomes, including the new hardcover "FEED YOUR GENES RIGHT" by Jack Challem, which touts the new science of "nutrigenomics" (using what you eat to turn off disease-causing genes and slow down aging)... speaking of books, Irwin Zucker, founder of the BPSC (Book Publicists of Southern California), made the rounds at the show, along with author Bruce Braunstein (the next BPSC event is April 7 at the Sportsmen's Lodge)... speaking of sportsmen, MAGNA Rx was one of several libido-enhancing supplements being promoted at the show; they claim to be the top seller -- look for it at GNC stores... which reminds me, many VITAMIN vendors showcased a panoply of products as well, ranging from CalMax (surely you have seen that infomercial where Dr. Pinker tells you you haven't been getting enough calcium? Yes you have -- and you haven't!) to a product called Ultimate Cleanse from Natures Secret, which works wonders for your colon... and as far as FOOD was concerned, well, can you say "oh boy, SOY ahoy"? There were soy-based products everywhere.... including soy pasta, soy chips, and soy milk (the soy milk made by 8th Continent surprised me with how great it tastes -- better than any Vanilla I ever had, and that was the LIGHT version; cant wait to try their regular Vanilla)... and how can I help but heap heavenly praise on hemp, there were several examples of that wonderful stuff too, including Hemp Seeds, Hemp Oil and... say, can it be long before some bright biz whiz markets a line of Three Stooges brand seeds called sHemp Hemp? Oh well, I can't help it if I get so many ideas, just send me a royalty check... AND FINALLY, kudos to ETHOS, who sell a bottled water that not only tastes great, but also (via donating a portion of profits) helps kids worldwide get safe drinking water. Did you know that over one BILLION children on Earth do NOT have access to safe drinking water? I sure didn't. So do your body AND soul good, with something so good -- try Ethos Water (more info at www.ethoswater.com). And Ethos, if you're listening: put a number "2" between-and-under the H and O in your name -- H2O in your logo would look cool, and natural...
Dr. Weil speaking at the Nutracon Show, co-located with Natural Products Expo West
Overall RoseRating for this show: Excellent. Mark your calendar for next year's tradeshow dates: MARCH 24 - 26, 2006, once again at the Anaheim Convention Center. If you are in the natural product biz, or in the media, do yourself a flavor: Don't miss it.
(March 20: Anaheim, CA) Natural Products Expo West is billed as the world's largest natural and organic products trade show, and I can see why. Roaming the show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center (which takes all day, or better, two), I saw hundreds of booths -- there were finished products, the ingredients that make the products, as well as the supplies and services that help retailers sell them. Natural and organic product lines galore. NPEW has been bringing together top buyers and sellers for 25 years. Exhibitors at this Expo, I was told, reach the largest number of active, qualified natural and organic products buyers of any tradeshow on the west coast. Certainly it was the largest number of buyers of natural and organic products I had ever seen under one roof.
Natural Products Expo West - outside Anaheim Convention CenterWith over 250,000 square feet of exhibiting space, representing every category in the industry, this is a must-see event if you sell, buy or write about natural and organic products. From established categories to emerging markets, Natural Products Expo West showcased the products and services driving the growth of the natural and organic industry.
Natural Products Expo West - the lively, crowded lobbyThousands of buyers, sellers, media folks and VIPs attended the show from all over the world. Some highlights from the show floor: Two Laker girls signed pictures of their squad... Ed Begley Jr. touted his product line, Begley's Best -- environmentally friendly cleaning products available exclusively at www.EdBegley.com ... WILEY BOOKS had a booth featuring many excellent health-related tomes, including the new hardcover "FEED YOUR GENES RIGHT" by Jack Challem, which touts the new science of "nutrigenomics" (using what you eat to turn off disease-causing genes and slow down aging)... speaking of books, Irwin Zucker, founder of the BPSC (Book Publicists of Southern California), made the rounds at the show, along with author Bruce Braunstein (the next BPSC event is April 7 at the Sportsmen's Lodge)... speaking of sportsmen, MAGNA Rx was one of several libido-enhancing supplements being promoted at the show; they claim to be the top seller -- look for it at GNC stores... which reminds me, many VITAMIN vendors showcased a panoply of products as well, ranging from CalMax (surely you have seen that infomercial where Dr. Pinker tells you you haven't been getting enough calcium? Yes you have -- and you haven't!) to a product called Ultimate Cleanse from Natures Secret, which works wonders for your colon... and as far as FOOD was concerned, well, can you say "oh boy, SOY ahoy"? There were soy-based products everywhere.... including soy pasta, soy chips, and soy milk (the soy milk made by 8th Continent surprised me with how great it tastes -- better than any Vanilla I ever had, and that was the LIGHT version; cant wait to try their regular Vanilla)... and how can I help but heap heavenly praise on hemp, there were several examples of that wonderful stuff too, including Hemp Seeds, Hemp Oil and... say, can it be long before some bright biz whiz markets a line of Three Stooges brand seeds called sHemp Hemp? Oh well, I can't help it if I get so many ideas, just send me a royalty check... AND FINALLY, kudos to ETHOS, who sell a bottled water that not only tastes great, but also (via donating a portion of profits) helps kids worldwide get safe drinking water. Did you know that over one BILLION children on Earth do NOT have access to safe drinking water? I sure didn't. So do your body AND soul good, with something so good -- try Ethos Water (more info at www.ethoswater.com). And Ethos, if you're listening: put a number "2" between-and-under the H and O in your name -- H2O in your logo would look cool, and natural...
Dr. Weil speaking at the Nutracon Show, co-located with Natural Products Expo WestOverall RoseRating for this show: Excellent. Mark your calendar for next year's tradeshow dates: MARCH 24 - 26, 2006, once again at the Anaheim Convention Center. If you are in the natural product biz, or in the media, do yourself a flavor: Don't miss it.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
“SPA ON WHEELS” SHUTTLE ROLLS OUT FOR L.A. MARATHON XX
by Don Rose
(LOS ANGELES, CA: Mar 6, 2005) — As the nation’s fourth largest marathon celebrates its 20th anniversary this morning, the Los Angeles Marathon continues to introduce race-day firsts with a new “Spa On Wheels” shuttle, a fusion of ideas that blends spas, sports and a much-needed method of transportation for L.A. Marathon biathletes.
For marathoners who started their morning with the 11th annual Acura L.A. Bike Tour – a 22.7-mile leisure ride through the traffic-free streets of Los Angeles – the Spa On Wheels shuttle transported biathletes from the Acura L.A. Bike Tour finish line at University of Southern California to the Marathon start line at Figueroa Blvd and 6th Street in downtown Los Angeles.
Metropolitan Transit Authority wrapped buses transformed on event day into the Spa On Wheels shuttle. The bus exteriors feature the L.A. Marathon 2005 anniversary artwork created by presenting sponsor American Motor Honda Co. Inc., and Acura, the title sponsor of the Acura L.A. Bike Tour.
Inside, the buses reflect a serene spa-like environment created by Whole Life Consultants, a spa management and consulting firm based in Hermosa Beach, Calif. WLC operates Checkers Spa at the Hilton Checkers Hotel and the Good Samaritan Hospital in downtown Los Angeles, and the Beach House Spa at the Beach House Hotel in Hermosa Beach.
During the three-mile ride, mini neck, arm, shoulder, leg and foot massages comfort riders; also available: Sparkletts water and soothing music. In addition, re-energizing drinks and snacks such as Gatorade and Clif Bars are available on board.
The L.A. Marathon was the first to offer a pre-marathon bike ride as part of Marathon-day events, and as such, is the first Marathon with the unique challenge of transporting more than 100 biathletes. The Spa On Wheels shuttle concept came as a response to feedback from L.A. Marathon biathletes who enjoyed the challenge of completing both events, but wanted an easier option for getting from the Bike Tour finish line to the start of the Marathon.
“The L.A. Marathon and Acura L.A. Bike Tour looked to address the needs of the biathletes in not only an effective manner, but creatively as well,” says Marie Patrick co-founder and executive vice president of the L.A. Marathon. “We believe the Spa On Wheels shuttle will be a nice experience for our biathletes and hope it encourages more of our runners to participate in both events in years to come.”
“L.A. Marathon biathletes require special consideration, not only logistically, but physically because of the additional impact to their bodies,” said John Howard, three-time Olympic cyclist, world-record holder and cycling coach for the Acura L.A. Bike Tour. “I can’t think of a nicer thing to do between events for these special athletes than this new shuttle concept.”
The Acura L.A. Bike Tour begins at 6 a.m.; cyclists were scheduled to cross the finish line (with live broadcast on NBC4 in Los Angeles) beginning at 7:30 a.m. For the first time ever, the broadcast, which ends at 11 a.m., will be made available to a global audience via the World Wide Web by logging on to NBC4.tv or by linking through the L.A. Marathon Website at lamarathon.com. A Spanish-language live broadcast will take place on Telemundo 52 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The L.A. Marathon is the largest marathon in the state, fourth largest in the country and seventh largest in the world. It is expected to draw more than 25,000 runners from all 50 states and 80 countries. Historically, 80 percent of all participants have hailed Southern California as their home making the race one of the City’s most highly participated and defining events.
The L.A. Marathon presented by Honda -- Sunday, March 6, 2005. In addition to American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Marathon sponsors include American Airlines, City of Angels Medical Center, NBC4, Telemundo 52, Saucony, Sparkletts and Emerald Nuts. To date, more than 350,000 runners and walkers have participated in the L.A. Marathon. For more information, visit www.lamarathon.com or call (310) 444-5544.
(LOS ANGELES, CA: Mar 6, 2005) — As the nation’s fourth largest marathon celebrates its 20th anniversary this morning, the Los Angeles Marathon continues to introduce race-day firsts with a new “Spa On Wheels” shuttle, a fusion of ideas that blends spas, sports and a much-needed method of transportation for L.A. Marathon biathletes.
For marathoners who started their morning with the 11th annual Acura L.A. Bike Tour – a 22.7-mile leisure ride through the traffic-free streets of Los Angeles – the Spa On Wheels shuttle transported biathletes from the Acura L.A. Bike Tour finish line at University of Southern California to the Marathon start line at Figueroa Blvd and 6th Street in downtown Los Angeles.
Metropolitan Transit Authority wrapped buses transformed on event day into the Spa On Wheels shuttle. The bus exteriors feature the L.A. Marathon 2005 anniversary artwork created by presenting sponsor American Motor Honda Co. Inc., and Acura, the title sponsor of the Acura L.A. Bike Tour.
Inside, the buses reflect a serene spa-like environment created by Whole Life Consultants, a spa management and consulting firm based in Hermosa Beach, Calif. WLC operates Checkers Spa at the Hilton Checkers Hotel and the Good Samaritan Hospital in downtown Los Angeles, and the Beach House Spa at the Beach House Hotel in Hermosa Beach.
During the three-mile ride, mini neck, arm, shoulder, leg and foot massages comfort riders; also available: Sparkletts water and soothing music. In addition, re-energizing drinks and snacks such as Gatorade and Clif Bars are available on board.
The L.A. Marathon was the first to offer a pre-marathon bike ride as part of Marathon-day events, and as such, is the first Marathon with the unique challenge of transporting more than 100 biathletes. The Spa On Wheels shuttle concept came as a response to feedback from L.A. Marathon biathletes who enjoyed the challenge of completing both events, but wanted an easier option for getting from the Bike Tour finish line to the start of the Marathon.
“The L.A. Marathon and Acura L.A. Bike Tour looked to address the needs of the biathletes in not only an effective manner, but creatively as well,” says Marie Patrick co-founder and executive vice president of the L.A. Marathon. “We believe the Spa On Wheels shuttle will be a nice experience for our biathletes and hope it encourages more of our runners to participate in both events in years to come.”
“L.A. Marathon biathletes require special consideration, not only logistically, but physically because of the additional impact to their bodies,” said John Howard, three-time Olympic cyclist, world-record holder and cycling coach for the Acura L.A. Bike Tour. “I can’t think of a nicer thing to do between events for these special athletes than this new shuttle concept.”
The Acura L.A. Bike Tour begins at 6 a.m.; cyclists were scheduled to cross the finish line (with live broadcast on NBC4 in Los Angeles) beginning at 7:30 a.m. For the first time ever, the broadcast, which ends at 11 a.m., will be made available to a global audience via the World Wide Web by logging on to NBC4.tv or by linking through the L.A. Marathon Website at lamarathon.com. A Spanish-language live broadcast will take place on Telemundo 52 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The L.A. Marathon is the largest marathon in the state, fourth largest in the country and seventh largest in the world. It is expected to draw more than 25,000 runners from all 50 states and 80 countries. Historically, 80 percent of all participants have hailed Southern California as their home making the race one of the City’s most highly participated and defining events.
The L.A. Marathon presented by Honda -- Sunday, March 6, 2005. In addition to American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Marathon sponsors include American Airlines, City of Angels Medical Center, NBC4, Telemundo 52, Saucony, Sparkletts and Emerald Nuts. To date, more than 350,000 runners and walkers have participated in the L.A. Marathon. For more information, visit www.lamarathon.com or call (310) 444-5544.
